A £2.9 million project to build a 40-place Alternative Provision in Barrow passed a major milestone recently as pre-built modular sections of the school structure started to arrive.

Following the recent completion of the groundworks and foundations to prepare the Channelside site, the first batch of buildings have arrived, kicking off the next stage of construction.

Transporting the 29 modules from the manufacturing site in Aspatria to their final location in Barrow involved a substantial logistical operation.  The process took four days and escort vehicles were required to accompany the wide load lorries to Barrow, where the modules were then unloaded via crane into place.

The process will be repeated in September when the second and final batch is programmed to be delivered and installed on site.

This provision will work alongside other education providers to accommodate up to 40 young people whose needs can be met in this setting, with support provided to access the curriculum.

This will enable children and young people to be educated within their communities in an adaptable building.

Sue Sanderson, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said:

“The latest developments on site see us another step closer to being able to offer this modern, inclusive provision to our young people and their families.  Everyone should have access to good quality education and facilities and this new building will provide a fantastic alternative curriculum and education experience for children and young people who find the mainstream environment challenging.”

Lisa Balderstone, Head Teacher at South Cumbria Pupil Referral Service, of which the new provision will be a part of, said:

“It is great to see the project making progress.  Being part of the project team means, as a key stakeholder, I have been able to help shape the plans for our new provision so it will deliver the best environment to help us to meet our student’s specific needs”.

Cllr Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Assets, said:

“Modern ways of building like this means that projects can take place in a far more efficient way, allowing construction to be completed at the same time as the foundations and ground preparation work is happening.

“You can really see the school taking shape and I look forward to seeing how things continue to progress with the delivery of the second batch of modules in September.”

Works will continue throughout 2024, with the school expected to open in Spring 2025.

Watch the latest project video on our YouTube channel to see the delivery in action.